Sarawak plans free trade zone using Jebel Ali model
Uggah who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development said Sarawak can draw lessons from the success of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, where the integration of a modern port with a FTZ attracted over 11,000 companies worldwide and now contributes to 36 per cent of Dubai's GDP.
He said that in a bid to emulate this success, the Sarawak government is now rolling out the Sarawak Ports Master Plan, a visionary initiative that seeks to transform the state's ports into engines of economic growth, making Sarawak the gateway to Borneo, the wider region and the global market.
'The plan aims to establish a modern, efficient and integrated port system that is internationally competitive and fully aligned with the state's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
'The transformation will be driven by four key pillars: Streamlining governance; Modernising and developing port and FTZ infrastructure; Driving economic diversification; and Enhancing regional and global connectivity,' he said during the winding-up session for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Uggah said the Sarawak Ports Master Plan marks a historic first transformative initiative that positions Sarawak as a key player in global trade and logistics.
'More than just a development blueprint, it is a game changer for Sarawak's economic trajectory, laying the foundation for sustainable growth that goes beyond reliance on natural resources.
'By strengthening our port infrastructure and connectivity, we are creating new opportunities for businesses, empowering local industries, and opening Sarawak to the world,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Study on multi-billion ringgit Trans-Borneo Railway reaches final lap
KUALA LUMPUR: The feasibility study for the Trans-Borneo Railway, a proposed high-speed rail network connecting Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia, is on track for completion by the third quarter of 2026, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said in a written parliamentary reply to Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH–Sandakan) that a local consultancy firm has been appointed to conduct the 12-month study for the Sabah and Sarawak segments, which began in June 2025. The RM7 million study, fully funded under the 12th Malaysia Plan, will deliver a detailed comparative analysis of the project's technical requirements, commercial and operational models, socio-economic benefits, governance framework, and overall viability. Key outputs will include a strategic blueprint, a phased implementation schedule, and an actionable rollout plan – all developed with stakeholder consultation to ensure broad acceptance and support. If implemented, the Trans-Borneo Railway – with an estimated price tag of RM63.3 billion – would be one of Southeast Asia's largest cross-border transport infrastructure projects. Analysts say it could transform Sarawak's economic landscape by unlocking new growth corridors, reducing logistics costs, enhancing rural-urban connectivity, and opening access to regional markets. Beyond domestic benefits, enhanced rail links with Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan could position Sarawak as a strategic trade and transit hub in Borneo, deepening economic integration and aligning with the state's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. The project is also expected to spur investment in high-value sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and resource-based manufacturing, while creating thousands of jobs during construction and operation. First proposed in 2015, the Trans-Borneo Railway has attracted significant interest. In April 2024, Brunei-based Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd claimed it would implement the US$70 billion (RM330 billion) project in two phases, spanning over 1,600 kilometres with trains capable of speeds up to 350 km/h. Loke, however, stressed that no company has been awarded the project and that any announcement would only be made through official government channels. If realised, the Trans-Borneo Railway would mark a historic step in regional infrastructure development, delivering long-term economic dividends for Malaysia and its Borneo neighbours.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
TVET programme empowers 95 Lingga residents with practical skills to boost livelihood
Sagah (fourth right) presents a certificate of participation to a participant during the closing ceremony of the TVET programme. At third left is Harden. LINGGA (Aug 14): A two-day Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme has equipped 95 local residents, including farmers, retirees, homemakers, single mothers, and school leavers, with practical skills aimed at boosting their livelihoods and income. Organised by the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) in collaboration with Sarawak Skills, the short-term courses were funded through MEITD's special grant and brought directly to the community. Participants received hands-on training in four courses: Basic Hydroponic Cultivation using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT); Basic Bread, Bun and Pastry Making; Basic Electrical Wiring; and Jewellery Making (Ceramics). Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who officiated at the closing ceremony, said the initiative reflects the state's commitment under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to create a skilled and competitive workforce and achieve high-income status by 2030. 'We are not just teaching skills. We are building confidence, inspiring entrepreneurship, and creating pathways to better livelihoods. Whether it leads to a small business or simply the joy of learning, every skill gained today is an opportunity for tomorrow,' he said in a statement released by the organisers. The programme also supports Sarawak's target for 20 per cent of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) graduates to pursue TVET education. Combined with soft skills training, these courses are designed to help participants remain competitive in a fast-changing job market. For many, the courses marked a turning point. Some participants intend to cultivate hydroponic vegetables, others plan to start home-based bakeries, while some are keen to create handcrafted jewellery. The event concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony and a lucky draw, with participants expressing optimism about applying their newly acquired skills. Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, MEITD permanent secretary Adana Jed, Lingga District officer Frank Lani, and Sarawak Skills Deputy executive director for Corporate Services Division Amy Francis Najur. lead Lingga practical skills Roland Sgah TVET
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak to be a top Malaysian rice producer within 5 years, will help strengthen food security
Abang Johari (fourth left) visits one of the booths at the exhibition. From second left are Azman, Sirai, and Arthur. KUCHING (Aug 13): Sarawak is gearing up to become one of Malaysia's biggest rice producers within the next five years, aiming not only to meet its own needs but also to strengthen national food security. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state's ambitious push is part of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, designed to reduce reliance on rice imports from countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia. Speaking at the opening ceremony of National Padi Conference 2025 (Padi 2025) last night, Abang Johari cited a successful trial in his constituency of Gedong, which used new seed varieties, modern machinery, and improved irrigation methods. 'With Universiti Pertanian Malaysia Sarawak, we carried out an experiment in Gedong, where we used new seed varieties on 5ha of land. We applied clean water, advanced machinery, and the right treatments. 'The results showed yields increasing from one tonne per ha to eight tonnes per ha. Furthermore, rice can be harvested over five seasons in just 24 months,' he said. Abang Johari said farmers' incomes can significantly increase if they have the will to change and adopt modern methods. 'If one season produces eight tonnes, the difference compared to traditional yields is huge. 'Over two years, five harvests can produce 40 tonnes – meaning a substantial rise in income for our community. If this experiment is successful, other areas can also benefit,' he said. The Premier pointed out Sarawak allocated RM1 million from its own funds in 2023 for irrigation projects and had offered to match federal contributions for similar initiatives. The state plans to expand paddy cultivation from the current seven sites to 14,000ha, with long-term projections to develop up to 240,000ha – enough to achieve self-sufficiency and supply surplus rice to other states. He explained the state's efforts will focus on improving soil fertility through biomass-based fertilisers made from oil palm waste and urea derived from local gas, tailored to Sarawak's soil conditions. The strategy will also combine support for smallholder farmers with scalable, large-scale commercial rice farming. 'If Mardi (Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute) can help Sarawak produce more seeds, we have plenty of land to plant them and produce more rice. 'For example, we just allocated 14,000ha – which is only a small portion of Sarawak's land. If we add another 14,000ha and produce 40 tonnes per 1,000ha, the total from the additional land alone could be around 500,000 tonnes,' he said. He also called for greater cooperation between Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia to raise the country's rice production capacity. He stressed the importance of collaboration between research institutions and the farming community, with research findings needing to be applied in the field to raise productivity. 'We know our climate, we have the land, and with the right technology and seeds, we can produce enough not just for Sarawak, but for Malaysia. 'God willing, by 2030 we will be among the largest rice producers in the country,' he added. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Dato Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup; Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (Food Industry) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak; Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak permanent secretary Datuk Sirai Daha; Mardi board of management chairman Dr Azman Ismail, and Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani. Abang Johari food security lead rice production
